Meet The Grinders And Join The Circle Of Trust
Jan

No, I’m not actually calling this the circle of trust, but you have to admit, it IS funny!
In Monday’s ridiculously long post, I introduced my project for 2012. It involves me, four online entrepreneurs/friends, you all, and a shit ton of action.
And after spending multiple hours writing, rewriting, and reading that post, I realized that I didn’t do a great job of explaining what this project entails. I’ll try my best to explain what this is all about and how it will work, but the truth of the matter is that I don’t know what’s going to happen or how this is going to unfold.
It was also brought to my attention (thanks Keshav) that I failed to mention what January’s topic will be about. It should be obvious, although it probably isn’t, but it’s about commitment and goals, with a strong emphasis on creating momentum and starting something and seeing it through..
But today’s post is about the other members of the Year Of The Grind and for now, I’ll call them “The Grinders“..
The Call
But before I get into that , I need to follow up on the story about my commitment to calling my long lost brother whom I hadn’t spoken with in over 6 years. Well, I did call him and initially left a message. And then a bunch of you emailed me or commented giving me shit and telling my to keep trying until I got through.
Well as it turns out, he called me back twice before I was able to reach him on Christmas day. The call was good. Exceptionally good. After the first few minutes of awkward “I haven’t heard your voice in 6 years” chit chat, we fell back into brother mode like we had been hanging out at the bars last night.
And as we shared updates about our lives like “your niece is in first grade and you’ve never met her” type of stuff, I told him straight up the real reason I called was not just to mend our relationship, but to apologize for all the years I was an asshole of a brother, a bully, and a mooch. I told him I wanted more than anything to work on our relationship because I want my daughters to know their uncle Mike and I want my brother back.
He was moved to tears by my gesture (and tears don’t come easy for him) and he forgave me although he said the apology was unnecessary. We ended up talking for 30 minutes or more and he had a chance to speak to my oldest daughter, Georgia.
We ended the call by agreeing to rebuild our broken brothership (new word) and actually discussed him flying out to see me and meet my girls. Yea, it was a great Christmas gift for us and all I can say is that if you have a loved one who you’ve had a falling out with, get over yourself, be the bigger person, and reach out to them. It’s that important…
And Now For The Introductions
As I mentioned on Monday, my year long project is not just about me and my life. It involves 4 other special individuals who have elected to share their time, stories, and life with all of us. They have recognized the opportunity to do something good in their lives and inspire others in the process.
After 14 months of blogging and almost 4,000 comments, I have met my fair share of people online. During that time, I’ve met some really incredible people and become friends with a number of them. When I first had the idea for this project and wanting to do it with others, I only had a few names in mind. These four were at the top of my list.
So here they are: meet The Grinders:
Tom Ewer from LeavingWorkBehind.com. Tom is a recently self employed online entrepreneur and backs up his talk with action. He set his goal to quit his desk job, become a freelance writer, and he has done exactly that. But that’s not the reason I asked him to be a part of this.
I asked Tom because of interest he took in my story several months ago. I could always count on a insightful and heartfelt comment from him and we actually have quite a lot in common. I’ve really admired his honesty and am really looking forward to seeing the changes he’s going to bring on.
Ruth Zive from FreelanceWritingBlog.com. Ruth is a kick ass writer, a mother to 5, and one of the most direct and genuine people I’ve met online. She also is all action and no bullshit.
I love her style and her blunt honesty and she quickly becoming a household name in the blogoshpere. And if you aren’t familiar with her work, you will be soon!
Ruth is another person who took an interest in my life and what I’m going through and after a few conversations with her, I realized that she is the real deal. I’m looking forward to her straight forward and direct approach to getting things done because uh…I kinda need it…
Shane Ketterman from RewireBusiness.com (changing soon). Shane and I connected months ago and after talking a few times and realizing just how much in common we had. Our ideas, goals, and business plans were very similar and we even spoke of creating a product together.
The reason I wanted Shane to be a part of this is because of his interest in personal growth. He is a successful entrepreneur, certified life coach, and a thought leader in the industry. He’s also one hell of a nice guy…
Steve Rice from TrueSpiritualAwakening.com. Steve and I first spoke after a comment he left on my blog which moved me. The first thing I thought was “this guy really cares”. Steve comes across to me as a deep and emotional guy with a big heart and a real desire to help people.
He is in touch with his spirituality, his emotions, and seems to be a genuinely happy person. Although he and I have very similar personalities, his mix of empathetic listening skills and and willingness to share his wisdom are very inspiring to me and I think he is a great fit for this project!
How Is This Going To Work?
I have chosen 12 areas of life that have been neglected over the years (even fitness and yes I’m a trainer!) and have decided to take significant action on improving one each month. I’m still tweaking them a bit and may change one or more as time passes but here they are:
- January: Commitment/Action/Goals
- February: Job/Business
- March: Health/Wellness
- April: Appreciation
- May: Slowing Down
- June: Family/Friends
- July: Personal Finance
- August: Knowledge Base
- September: Comfort Zone Challenges
- October: Spirituality
- November: Charity
- December: Forgiveness
Naturally, not everyone wants to work on all the same areas of their life and so I’ve made these topics fairly broad with the idea that all 5 of us could find something to improve in that area.
And although we will all be working under that same umbrella of topics, we all will have our individual goals (duh) which to work on throughout the year. Those will be posted here within the next post or two.
My Idea For All Of This
When I decided to include a small group of people in which to share this experience, I had in mind a tight knit group of friends/peers who could hold each other accountable and call each other out on each others bullshit. I’ve selected these people in particular because of who they are as people, not who they are as online entrepreneurs.
I feel like this year long journey is going to work much better if we all are in the same mindset of “let’s make great things happen” and initially, it’s been great. Back in January I started a mastermind group and while it involved some really sharp people, it was not as effective as it could have been.
And this is why:
- Although friendly, we weren’t necessarily friends
- We we not comfortable enough around each other to offer truly honest feedback, which is vital
- We never developed a sense of team. We all went our separate ways after our calls and rarely spoke or interacted otherwise.
That’s where this group will be different and if you are considering putting together a mastermind or the like, I would strongly suggest you find the right people and make sure you can hold each other to their word.
This Is An Open Forum
I think this project will work best if it’s allowed to evolve naturally and grow with time and with interest. I love the idea of anyone being able to contribute to this experience, add their own goals, and become part of what we are doing.
I need you all to be open and honest in your feedback and I need you to share your thoughts in the comments section. I am also very open to ideas that anyone has about how to really tie this all together, bring a more personal feel to it, or ways to get more people involved.
Like I said, this is an open forum for thoughts and actions and I don’t need you commenting telling me that I’m doing great things here. I need you to comment telling me what great things you are doing.
So tell me, How do YOU want to be involved with this?
Until Friday…

Tom Ewer
Hey Steve,
Reading about you re-connecting with your brother put a lump in my throat – what an incredible story. That could be one of the most rewarding things you do all year – and it’s only January 4th! What a way to kick things off. I couldn’t imagine not knowing my nephews/niece, so what you are doing is a wonderful step forward.
And regarding “The Grind” – I can’t wait to get started! And I totally agree with you about the concept of a Mastermind Group formed on friendship and true accountability.
Cheers,
Tom
Steve
Tom,
I had to wonder why I waited so long to make it happen. I suppose stubbornness and ego. I have wasted 6 years of life avoiding my brother and having as part of our lives. I only hope people will read this and not make the same mistake.
And I’m really looking forward to seeing your journey and progress this year-I know you’ll be doing great things!
Ruth - The Freelance Writing Blog
So honoured to be part of the group Steve – thanks for the kind comments. Let’s roll up our sleeves, set lofty goals, map out action plans and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! It’s going to be a fabulous ride!
Congratulations on reaching out to your brother. I’m impressed. I look forward to hearing how that evolves.
Steve
Ruth,
2012 is going to be a great year and I only hope I can keep up with you!!
I have every intention of building my relationship with my brother now that all the “history” is out of the way.
Let’s do this…
Ruth - The Freelance Writing Blog
I’d just like to point out that ‘grinders’ sounds just a wee bit sketchy. Anyone else agree :-)?
Steve
I don’t know about sketchy, but I can see how it might be construed as negative…I’ll work on it.
And why is nobody finding the humor in my spoof of “Meet The Parents”? Do people really think I created a circle of trust??
I guess my lack of recent humor in my writing is throwing some people off…
Ruth - The Freelance Writing Blog
By sketchy I meant more along the lines of ‘pump ‘n grind’, dirty dancing sketchiness.
I’ll shake it off. Bad reference.
I think your spoof is HILARIOUS! Love the Fockers. But what’s wrong with a little circle of trust!?! Especially one that encourages us to call bullshit! That’s very Focker-esque in my opinion.
Steve
That’s funny 🙂
I don’t want to rip off the “Circle of Trust” and thought it would be witty. Apparently, I need to work on my skills…
Shane
Hey Steve,
This is going to be super AWESOME and I’m really glad to be a part of it with such an amazing group of folks.
Here’s a quote:
“walker, there is no path; the path is made by walking”
And congrats on reaching out to your brother. Life actually begins to happen when we decide to do what we love and say “screw the rest”.
-sjk
Steve
Shane,
I think this year is going to be one filled with some remarkable experiences and I’m so glad you’ve decided to come along.
By the way, where’s your Gravatar pic?
Keith
Will you be allowing guest posts for these as well? What about podcast interviews? I have some ideas as a newly self employed ass kicking marketer (did I just toot my own horn? Yup, I did LOL)
As you know, I spent over 18 months fight and clawing back to my freedom, last week I filed for my LLC (Tilt Shift Marketing) because it was too much for just freelancing anymore and I needed to protect myself personally.
Here’s to an epic 2012, looks like you have some great peeps to work with! Personally I KNOW I can use some help on these topics as well, so I will be following along 🙂
Steve
Hey brother,
As of right now, the only “guest posts” will be from my small group. I am however going to be creating a resource that includes stories from people like you who have managed to make shit happen for themselves. I’ll keep you posted on what it’s going to look like.
I have no plans for resuming my Podcast interviews although I am trying to schedule a few “special” ones that work in the context of this project (read: Penelope).
Thanks for all the love dude and I’m looking forward to seeing all the asses you kick this year..
Jay Adams
steve – I’m an old fart that likes to learn new things from you youngsters, and occasionally pass on a thought or two that might be helpful. ok by you? keep it up – you’re doing good!
Steve
Old fat, huh? I’m 40 and feel like 60 some days..
I’m turning back the clock this year though-bet on it!
And feel free to impart your wisdom any time you’d like!
Benny
So is the theme song going to be “Puff the Magic Dragon”?
Sorry I couldn’t resist with your intro. 🙂
Great group of people! I’ve gotten to know Ruth and Steve and they are wonderful people. The things you’ve said about them about spot on.
Happy to hear you reached out to your brother. Definitely made me smile at the end to read a great ending.
Steve
Benny,
Finally someone made a reference to this! These 4 individuals are really good people and I know we will see some remarkable things from them.
What are your big plans for this year?
Benny
Glad to have helped!
I have no doubt these 4 individuals will be doing big things this year!
I’m still thinking about what I want to achieve this year, but I would say that no doubt I want to create products. I learned so much last year, but need to finally apply it.
If I want to have the freedom I want before the end of this year, I need to make money. I want to diversify besides the app.
The other big plan is to take a honeymoon! We haven’t taken one. I’m thinking somewhere tropical.
Steve Rice
Thanks for the kind introduction, Steve. I’m looking forward to what this year has in store.
Your story of reconnecting with your brother was so touching. Thanks for sharing something so special. I’m really proud of you for taking action in this way.
I’m excited about how we will progress in this group, but even more excited to connect more with your blog readers and hear about their triumphs.
Here’s to a fantastic 2012…and here’s to us all! Cheers.
Jill
Hi Steve – so nice to see a positive forward-moving post. I found your site through the now infamous Penelope Trunk interview and have had you on my blog roll ever since.
Good for you calling your brother – sounds like it was worth the effort – funny how simple things like picking up a phone can become so hard!
I’ve set myself goals for this year that I’d love help keeping accountable to. My blogs started making a trickle of money last year – but this year they are going to earn me a decent income so I can keep my current lifestyle and improve it too.
I shall be stopping by whenever I see a post pop up to be inspired, motivated and use it as a chance to reflect on my own progress too!
Thanks for sharing your journey Steve, and for drawing together a great group of people! Here’s to a fabulous 2012!
Paige | Simple Mindfulness
I love your project Steve! And congrats on reconnecting with your brother.
I like the idea of having a focus point for each month although I think you’ll experience September (comfort zone challenges) all year long.
In terms of reader involvement, I think it would be great if we all used this as a form of accountability – posting comments on our own progress (or lack thereof) as it relates to your monthly themes.
Ruth – I have to agree with you on “The Grinders.” Other than the obvious, it also makes it sound like the process will be difficult and painful – something I hope it won’t be. How about The Sparks, The Torches, The Lite Brites (do they still make those?) as you guys shine the light for us all???
Patricia
Way to go Steve. Great start for you to 2012. And I’m looking forward to March and your health goals 🙂
Patricia Perth Australia
Steve
Thanks Patricia, nice to see you again 🙂
Laura Rupp
Looks great, like a breath of fresh air! Glad to see that you are open to change and are taking steps toward getting out of your own way. So nice to see this movement toward something, something meaningful and positive, and not pushing so hard away from something (your job, your life, your expectations).
Just wondering, has your tolerance for and attitude at work changed at all as you have changed your direction here and learned so much about yourself? I often see people obtain a better perspective on work when they add other meaningful outlets to their life. Hope the same is true for you!
Steve
Laura,
That’s a great way to put it, “moving towards something and not pushing away”.
To be honest, I have taken a new outlook at work and am working daily on focusing on the positives in my job and even with my boss. Our relationship has improved and I’m happier (if you can call it that) at work that I have been for a long time. There will be some big changes at work next month and I’m almost excited about them!!
Keshav
Awesome! Loved the story about your patch-up with your brother. I can only imagine how much effort went into taking those steps…and now doesn’t it make you wonder – “Why did I ever wait for 6 years?”
Maybe you could write a post about this first significant event of 2012, I’m sure it will inspire many of your readers and who knows, some relationships could be actually mended. Think about it..
Steve
Great idea. I know there are many people who have fallen out of touch with a loved one and are too stubborn (or whatever) to make amends. Life is short my friend and anything can happen at any time. If my brother were killed before I called him, I would have to carry that with my for the rest of my life.
Just do it…
Danny
Steve,
it touches my heart to hear about the journey you have started. I first came into contact with yourself via my love for ending the grind too. I can see now that this was the catalyst for the both of our journey’s.
I would like to start out and commend you on your vision for not thinking small and going for it! I enjoyed how you saw the negativity of your thinking and turned it positive. For me that is the turning point for you!
As for myself, i managed to end the grind last year, it felt weird but i was happy to do it! looking back it was a great decision. I am fortunate to only have a few responsibilities in life so i have a lot of freedom (apart of my genetic makeup:) i have spent the better part of the year finding the happiness within myself, remembering the smaller parts in life which make me happy; i can fully say that i have found that spark and i ensure that it will stay with me 🙂
So on to this year my goals for this year include rewriting my own rules, this means not living by what i have been programmed to think act and live. I have started doing this and not only has it enabled me to “see between the lines” it has brought tremendous happiness and adventure back into my life. The biggest rule is going to be surrounding myself with the healthy, positive and successful things in my life; if there is something i do not like it gets cut out (although i do like doing things i don’t like sometimes (makes me feel human :)). As i have commented before to yourself, our vision seems to be aligned and that the underlying theme of the year shall be action(!) too long have good persons fallen into the shadows, it is our time, to push to achieve to create history (no matter how small or big) if the world is to end this year lets make it one to remember.
For us All!
One Love
El Edwards
When you and I spoke last, I remember noticing the moment when you came alive was when you spoke about the happiness project so I am so delighted to read of your plans for 2012.
Having myself been on a journey of change in the final quarter of 2011, I can tell you from personal experience that doing your legacy work is hugely motivating.
Here’s to a fabulous 2012 for you and yours Steve. I look forward to seeing where you, the Grinders and your circle of trust (keep it, it’s a giggle!) lead this community. 🙂
Steve
El,
I really loved Gretchen’s idea and wanted to add more personal touches. I’m really excited about what this year will bring and what we will create!
Thanks for your support and I’m looking forward to our chat 🙂
Adrienne
Well congratulations Steve, I’m thrilled to hear that you and your brother have mended fences. Now see, wasn’t that worth it and look what you would have lost out on had you not taken that first step. I’m so very proud of you.
Ruth is one of my best buddies online here Steve. I really look up to her and so admire what she’s accomplished in her life. Not only is she a mother of five but a successful business woman as well. Great choice in putting Ruth on your team, she’s a wonderful person.
I’m not familiar with Tom or Shane but have been by Steve’s older blog several times and checked out his posts. Haven’t been by his new one yet.
This sounds interesting so I’ll have to stop back by and see what everyone is sharing. Sure hope you are finally on your way up.
Have a great day!
~Adrienne
Steve
Adrienne,
Yes, it was a long overdue call and I’m sorry I waited so long. The good news is that we plan to rebuild our relationship and I’m very happy about it.
I couldn’t agree more about Ruth. She is incredible! She’s helped me in a numb er of different ways and I love her straight forward and direct approach to getting things done. I only hope I can offer her help in return..
It’s going to be a big year and the rest of the group are wonderful people as well! Hope to see you around.